Transport in UK

Q- How is the public transport system in UK?

A- Public transport services in the UK vary from region to region and town to town. In some areas, services are excellent and good value for money, while in others they’re infrequent, slow, and expensive. The UK has no unified general transport policy, particularly a long-term strategy that balances the needs of the public transport user against those of the motorist. Consequently, the UK has one of the most congested and ill-planned transport systems in Europe. However, it isn’t always essential to own a car in the UK, particularly if you live in a large town or city with adequate public. On the other hand, if you live in a remote village or a town away from the main train and bus routes, it’s usually essential to have your own transport. Public transport is cheaper if you’re able to take advantage of the wide range of discount, combination (e.g. rail, bus, underground and ferry), season, and off-peak tickets available. The UK’s transport ‘system’ is heavily weighted in favor of road transport and the level of public transport subsidies in the UK is among the lowest in Europe, e.g. in the European Union few countries invest less per head of population on their railways. Despite more people using public transport in London than in any other European city (London has the world’s largest rail and tube network), it has the most expensive public transport of any capital city in Europe, with fares around four times those of Rome and some 15 times more expensive than Budapest. The percentage of travellers using public transport is, not surprisingly, very low, with some 90 per cent of all journeys made by car.

The poor services and high cost of public transport have made a huge contribution to the heavy road congestion, with traffic levels in the south-east and other heavily populated areas approaching saturation point. Apart from the environmental damage caused by the ever increasing number of cars, road congestion costs businesses billions of pounds a year which, when added to the cost of road accidents, suggests a huge commercial benefit would be reaped from improved public transport. Many cities and counties promote the use of public transport instead of private cars, although trying to encourage people to travel by public transport has met with little success. One of the biggest problems facing the UK is that it’s much cheaper to run a car than it is to use the railways. Most analysts believe the situation must be reversed if the UK isn’t to suffer almost permanent gridlock in its major cities in the next decade or so.

Q- HOW is travelling by Train in UK?

A- Public transport in the UK includes a comprehensive railway system that allows you to reach almost every smaller or bigger town by train. There are different companies which maintain the national and regional networks. Thus, as always, ticket prices vary considerably. In any case, taking the train is a very relaxed way to travel. Fast trains allow you to easily commute between cities and airports. For instance, it only takes 15 minutes to travel from London Heathrow to the city center. The factors which determine the actual price of your train ticket include the distance and time of your journey. The network you travel on and how long in advance you book your ticket can make a difference as well. If you are a frequent train traveler, you should look for one of the Britrail passes which might be a great deal and ultimately save you a lot of money. Keep in mind, that these passes cannot be used on the National Rail network which also makes up a considerable share of public transport in the UK. More details ...

Q- How is Travelling by Coach and Bus?

A- Travelling by coach is not only a valid choice for getting to the UK but also for exploring the country while on a budget. There are different companies which offer connections from one point to another, often including special tours to historical places. Thus, it makes sense to shop around a little bit for great deals for public transport in the UK. Please remember that you need to buy coach tickets in advance as they can’t be purchased directly when boarding. The main, but not only, operators in the UK are:

• National Express
• Mega bus
• easy Bus
• Scottish City link

Of course, you can easily get around cities and towns by bus. The local bus networks are run by different companies and it makes a lot of sense to contact them individually for ticket prices and time tables. You can buy the ticket directly from your driver or from local travel centers. Please remember that single tickets are valid for individual journeys only. More details ...

Q- What if I am Taking a Taxi in the UK?

A- If you have to get from point A to point B quickly, have a lot of luggage or if you just don’t want to bother with public transportation in the UK, taking the taxi might be a convenient alternative. You should keep in mind, of course, that taxis are not available everywhere in the UK. However, they are prevalent in bigger towns and particularly in London, where the black taxis have become rather famous. You can always hail a taxi in the street if it has switched on its yellow “For Hire” sign. If you are unsure where to find a taxi, local train stations or airports are a great place to start. In addition to the fare, as shown on the meter, you should pay the driver at least a 10% tip. More details ...

Q- Are there any Minicab in UK?

A- Minicabs are a low-cost alternative to taxis or public transport in the UK, but have to be hired in advance. Unlike taxis, they do not have a meter. This is why you should ask the operator or the driver about the price before you embark on your journey. Please remember to only use licensed minicabs, especially in big cities like London, to ensure your own safety. After all, minicabs from unlicensed providers are illegal, uninsured, and potentially unsafe for their passengers.

Q- Are there any provisions for Public Transport Resources for the Disabled?

A- Granted, for people with disabilities using public transport in the UK to explore the country can be rather complicated, or even impossible. If you are looking for resources on the matter, you can refer to gov.uk to find out more about public transport and driving as a disabled person. Transport for London provides more specific advice on accessibility of trains, buses, and the tube. You might find this particularly useful if you prefer public transport in the UK over taking a cab or driving yourself. Finally, Disabled Travel Advice offers lots of useful tips on public transport in the UK for expats and travelers alike. Although their British city profiles mostly target tourists, expats may find their information useful as well.

Why not Explore more about London


Visitors who viewed ​this also viewed​